How can I remove busy floor tile without ruining the rest and edge off the exposed tile grout on the backsplash?
Asked by Alban Roux 
3 months ago
Last Updated: September 24, 2024
Hey, thanks for your advice. I think I’m going to pass on it for now, haha. What do you think about floor tiles? I got this ceramic one that’s 9×12 and kind of resembles marble. It’s white with some brown and gray streaks, but it’s looking a bit overwhelming.
I’m thinking of taking out the tile under the window. How should I finish off the exposed tile and grout at the edge of the backsplash? And any suggestions on removing just that section without causing any damage to the rest?
Why?
Hey, , there’s just so much of it. Haha
If changing the color is your goal, have you considered painting the tile instead of removing it? You might end up with a big mess if you start pulling it off the wall.
Oh yeah, , it’s all about the color. Haha
Hey , there are special paints available for tiles that could simplify things for you.
Take out the grout first before removing the tile
That looks like the type of old tile installations that were typically done with concrete and wire mesh, which can quickly become a major headache…
Hey , I need to check the ‘house binder’ to find out when the tile was installed. I believe it was done around 1980, not when this 1950s house was originally built. I doubt my parents thought this was an upgrade from what was there before. Haha
They have edging strips that you can attach the tile to for a polished look. You would need to create a groove under the remaining tiles and slide it underneath. They come in plastic or aluminum, or you can remove the flange and glue it to the edge of the tile. Alternatively, you can use a small piece of trim of your choice and glue it to the edge of the tile.
I never recommend painting tiles, but those tiles are not coming out without a mess and might require a complete rebuild.
Usually, I remove them by cutting the wall into slabs, which is heavy but much quicker and not as messy.
The solution is right in front of you. Personally, I would suggest starting fresh by tearing out the old tile completely. This includes the vanity, mud base sinks, and everything else. To begin, use a vibrating tool to carefully cut along the wall, starting one tile in front of the cabinet. Be sure to salvage the cap tiles along the top. If there are enough salvageable caps, you can use a cutter to peel back the last row and cut the top cap tile at a 45-degree angle. Cut the mud base back about 3/4″ away from the cabinet to ensure you have enough to anchor the saved cap tiles. However, if there aren’t sufficient cap tiles, it may be best not to proceed. Removing the tiles can be tricky and may result in some breakage. Additionally, there is uncertainty about the framing behind the wall to support the edge after removal. Without knowing how many cap tiles can be saved, I would personally revert back to the wall, repair the damage, and consider getting a new setup from IKEA with an integrated sink. Ultimately, the choice is yours. I used to work at the place that sold this particular tile, and it was quite rare even when the trim piece, known as a birdsmouth, was available. Once we sold out of the field tile, we were instructed to discard the remaining trim pieces. Working with fired ceramic like this can be extremely challenging, even under ideal circumstances. I wish you the best of luck with your project!